Do you want to see your face projected onto a uniquely designed 20 foot festive tree – the first project of its kind in the United Kingdom? Would you be excited to see a specially commissioned Mosaic tree which has over 200 mirrored cubes displayed to reflect the diverse architecture in the City. Are you willing to walk into an enormous snow globe and embrace the festive season while ensuring your insta-moment?
These are just some of the ambitious and creative programmes of activities and installations sponsored by the EC Business Improvement District to help both businesses and visitors alike celebrate Christmas.
From carol singers to snow machines, wreath making to Christmas crackers, EC BID is determined to make this Christmas unforgettable and shine a yuletide light on what this unique part of the City of London has to offer. And everything is free.
Kate Hart, Chief Executive of the EC BID, said: “We are incredibly proud to be bringing these festive treats which are imaginative, decorative and distinctive and will draw to the City a different visitor, while enhancing the public spaces for our businesses and workforce.
“The BID is in a unique position as a convenor and enabler to bring artists, creatives and businesses together to showcase something which the whole area can enjoy and in addition shine a light on their amazing projects and installations.
“BIDs across the City are delighted to be supporting the City of London’s Destination City agenda and are putting on a series of fabulously festive events for workers, visitors and residents alike to enjoy. The City is the perfect seasonal destination, with evocative historic locations such as Leadenhall Market, some of the best dining in the whole of the capital, unique shopping opportunities and of course the best elevated views that London has to offer.”
Please follow the EC BID Tinsel Trail to get the most out of Christmas this year.
16th November – One Bishopsgate Plaza outside Pan Pacific London (a partnership with EC BID, Pan Pacific London and MTArt Agency). Installation of the MOSAIC – a unique fitting designed by the world-famous artist Arnaud Lapierre, reinvents the traditional Christmas tree in a sustainable and modern vision. The tree is fitted mirrored cubes arranged in a manner which evokes the natural geometry of a pine cone. This is a very first partnership of its kind for the Forbes five-star rated Pan Pacific London and inspires the hotel’s festive campaign across all its touchpoints.
Arnaud Lapierre said: “I’ve always dreamt of presenting my work in London, a city that consistently places arts and culture at the core of its urban life. The sophistication, architectural diversity, and cross-cultural influences of the City of London provide the perfect backdrop for MOSAIC (2023), my inaugural project in the UK. Given that my body of work has consistently been inspired by how art seamlessly integrates into the streets sparking meaningful conversations, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share this celebratory and festive moment with a new public and witness their reactions.”
30th November to 22nd December – Aviva Piazza. Working with the Trees for Cities charity, Aviva, and the inspirational artist Jasper Toeli, ‘Be the Tree’ invites the public to connect with a city tree on both a public and personal scale. Simply place your face up to the O2 bottle and in just a few moments the sculpture lights your face in real time onto a 20 foot high tree, embellished by installation artist Ella Schofield Lake, through the magical technique of video projection mapping. There will then be a link to access your image so you can make a unique digital, Christmas card.
30th November – St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate – Switching on of lights on an 18 foot Christmas tree.
16th November – Leadenhall Market. In partnership with the Leadenhall Market, we will be installing a light activation to showcase the side road of the market. In addition, carol singers will be performing at peak times in the market.
November to December – EC BID footprint. We will run a series of festive workshops including wreath-making, felting, stocking filler designs, winter candle making and gingerbread house decorating. Each workshop will open for up to 20 people and run until mid December.
1st to 15 December – EC BID footprint. Especially branded EC BID sustainable crackers will be handed out during lunchtimes to the business community.
5th to 8th December – Fenchurch Street Station. An immersive inflatable Winter Wonderland snow globe which will allow visitors to create that unique insta-worthy moment. The surrounding space will be designed to create a truly festive feeling for visitors and workers alike.